"Downton Abbey" is filled with interesting, nuanced characters. But none get as many wonderful quips as Lady Violet, the Dowager Countess... Show More »

"Downton Abbey" is filled with interesting, nuanced characters. But none get as many wonderful quips as Lady Violet, the Dowager Countess of Grantham. And no one delivers their lines with quite as much panache as the inimitable Maggie Smith. So here are some of Lady Violet's best gems. « Less

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Season 4, episode 9:

Lady Violet: "I accept the challenge. I know I can trust you to steer."

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Season 4, episode 9:

Isobel: "Oh heavens. Lord Merton and he seems to be headed in this direction."/ Lady Violet: "No doubt to lead you down the ... Show More »

Isobel: "Oh heavens. Lord Merton and he seems to be headed in this direction."/ Lady Violet: "No doubt to lead you down the primrose path of dalliance. [giggles]" « Less

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Season 4, episode 8:

Lady Violet: "Rosamund has no interest in French. If she wishes to be understood by a foreigner, she shouts."

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Season 4, episode 7:

Lady Violet: "I want another nurse. I insist, this one talks too much. She's like a drunken vicar."

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Season 4, episode 6:

Cousin Isobel: "How you hate to be wrong."/Lady Violet: "I wouldn't know. I'm not familiar with the sensation."

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Season 4, episode 6:

Lady Violet, in re: jazz: "Do you think any of them know what the others are playing?"

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Season 4, episode 5:

Cousin Isobel: "You make me sound very fervent."/ Lady Violet: "Wars have been waged with less fervor."

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Season 4, episode 5:

Violet: "I wonder your halo doesn't grow heavy. It must be like wearing a tiara 'round the clock."

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Season 4, episode 4:

Lady Violet: "She is a good woman. And while the phrase is enough to set anyone's teeth on edge, there are moments when... Show More »

Lady Violet: "She is a good woman. And while the phrase is enough to set anyone's teeth on edge, there are moments when her virtue demands admiration. / Lord Grantham: "I agree, although I'm rather surprised to hear you say it."/ Violet: "Not as surprised as I am [giggles]." « Less

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Season 4, episode 4:

Lady Violet: "Why are you in your rompers?"

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Season 4, episode 3:

"If I'm ever to search for logic, I should not look for it amongst the English upper class."

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Season 4, episode 2:

Lady Violet: There can be too much truth in any relationship.

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Season 4, episode 2:

"When you talk like that, I'm tempted to ring for nanny and have you put to bed with no supper."

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Season 4, episode 1:

"No Robert, it is our job to bring her back to the world. ... I can only say while I will overlook Mary's poor judgment... Show More »

"No Robert, it is our job to bring her back to the world. ... I can only say while I will overlook Mary's poor judgment, I find it hard to overlook yours." « Less

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Season 4, episode 1:

"My dear, I'm not really very interested in whether you behaved badly or well. I'm not your governess, I'm yo... Show More »

"My dear, I'm not really very interested in whether you behaved badly or well. I'm not your governess, I'm your grandmother. The difference is I love you. Mary, you've gone through hideous time. But now you've got your son, he needs you." « Less

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Season 3, episode 9:

Lady Cora: "It's so complicated with a young daughter who is full of new ideas. She thinks you're fighting her whe... Show More »

Lady Cora: "It's so complicated with a young daughter who is full of new ideas. She thinks you're fighting her when all the time you're just frightened and ... I'm sorry." / Lady Violet: "We all miss her. Every single day." « Less

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Season 3, episode 8:

Lady Rose: "I won't be held a prisoner forever." / Lady Violet: "No, one day you'll be older and out of our power.... Show More »

Lady Rose: "I won't be held a prisoner forever." / Lady Violet: "No, one day you'll be older and out of our power. But not yet." « Less

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Season 3, episode 8:

"My husband was a great traveler so I've spent many happy evenings without understanding a word. The thing is to keep s... Show More »

"My husband was a great traveler so I've spent many happy evenings without understanding a word. The thing is to keep smiling. And never look as if you disapprove." « Less

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Season 3, episode 7:

[Regarding Lady Edith becoming a journalist] "Since we have a country solicitor and a car mechanic, it was only a matter of ... Show More »

[Regarding Lady Edith becoming a journalist] "Since we have a country solicitor and a car mechanic, it was only a matter of time." « Less

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Season 3, episode 6:

"My husband was a great traveler, so I've spent many happy evenings without understanding a word. The thing is to keep... Show More »

"My husband was a great traveler, so I've spent many happy evenings without understanding a word. The thing is to keep smiling, and never look as if you disapprove." « Less

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Season 3, episode 5:

"It seems a pity to miss such a good pudding."

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Season 3, episode 5:

"I suppose she has an appropriate costume for every activity."

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Season 3, episode 4:

"My dear, when tragedies strike, we try to find someone to blame. And in the absence of a suitable candidate, we usually bla... Show More »

"My dear, when tragedies strike, we try to find someone to blame. And in the absence of a suitable candidate, we usually blame ourselves. You are not to blame. Our darling Sybil has died during childbirth, like too many women before her. And all we can do now is cherish her memory and her child." « Less

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Season 3, episode 4:

Matthew: "Edith has had an opportunity to write a newspaper column." / Lady Violet: "When may she expect an offer to appear ... Show More »

Matthew: "Edith has had an opportunity to write a newspaper column." / Lady Violet: "When may she expect an offer to appear on the London stage?" « Less

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Season 3, episode 3:

"Edith dear, you're a woman with a brain and reasonable ability. Stop whining and find something to do."

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Season 3, episode 3:

Tom: "They turned everyone out of the castle. Lord and Lady Dromgoole, their sons and all the servants. And then they set fi... Show More »

Tom: "They turned everyone out of the castle. Lord and Lady Dromgoole, their sons and all the servants. And then they set fire to it." / Edith: "What a tragedy." / Lady Violet: "Well, rather yes and no. That house was hideous. Of course, that is no excuse." « Less

Lady Violet: "Sybil, vulgarity is no substitute for wit." / Lady Sybil: "Well, you started it."

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Season 3, episode 1:

Lady Violet: "No guest should be admitted without the date of their departure settled."

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Season 3, episode 1:

Lady Mary: "She's made of money and there's only Mama and Uncle Harold to share it when she's gone." / Lady V... Show More »

Lady Mary: "She's made of money and there's only Mama and Uncle Harold to share it when she's gone." / Lady Violet: "We can't wait that long. She looks as if she'll bury us all." « Less

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Season 3, episode 1:

[On Martha Levinson] "She is like a homing pigeon. She finds our underbelly every time. Dreadful."

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Season 3, episode 1:

[On Branson as her grandson-in-law] "If we can show the county that he can behave normally, they will soon lose interest in ... Show More »

[On Branson as her grandson-in-law] "If we can show the county that he can behave normally, they will soon lose interest in him. And I shall make sure he behaves normally because I shall hold his hand on the radiator until he does." « Less

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Season 2, episode 9:

Lady Violet: "Oh, this is nice. This is - what is it?" / Cousin Isobel: "What does it look like?" / Lady Violet: "Something ... Show More »

Lady Violet: "Oh, this is nice. This is - what is it?" / Cousin Isobel: "What does it look like?" / Lady Violet: "Something for getting stones out of horses' hooves?" / Cousin Isobel: "It's a nutcracker. We thought you'd like it. To crack your nuts." « Less

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Season 2, episode 9:

Sir Richard: "Do you always play charades on Christmas night?" / Lady Violet: "This isn't charades, this is the game." ... Show More »

Sir Richard: "Do you always play charades on Christmas night?" / Lady Violet: "This isn't charades, this is the game." / Sir Richard: "Do you enjoy these games, in which the player must appear ridiculous?" / Lady Violet: "Sir Richard, life is a game in which the player must appear ridiculous." « Less

Cousin Matthew: "Sorry about the vase." / Lady Violet: "Oh, don't be. It was a wedding present from a frightful aunt. I... Show More »

Cousin Matthew: "Sorry about the vase." / Lady Violet: "Oh, don't be. It was a wedding present from a frightful aunt. I have hated it for half a century." « Less

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Season 2, episode 8:

"The Aristocracy has not survived by its intransigence. We must work with what we've got to minimize the scandal. He... Show More »

"The Aristocracy has not survived by its intransigence. We must work with what we've got to minimize the scandal. He's political, isn't he? And a writer? Well, you could make something out of that. And there's a family called Branson with a place not far from Cork. I believe they have a connection with the Howards. Well, surely we can hitch him on to them." « Less

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Season 2, episode 8:

"Don't be defeatist, dear. It's very middle class."

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Season 2, episode 8:

"I used to think that Mary's beau was a misalliance, but compared to this, he's practically a Hapsburg."

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Season 2, episode 7:

"I would just say one thing. Marriage is a long business. There's no getting out of it for our kind of people. You may ... Show More »

"I would just say one thing. Marriage is a long business. There's no getting out of it for our kind of people. You may live 40, 50 years with one of these two women. Just make sure you have selected the right one." « Less

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Season 2, episode 7:

"Oh, certainly. All this unbridled joy has given me quite an appetite."

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Season 2, episode 6:

"I don't dislike him, I just don't like him, which is quite different."

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Season 2, episode 5:

"Mr. Travers. Can I remind you William Mason has served our family well. At the last, he saved the life, if not the health, ... Show More »

"Mr. Travers. Can I remind you William Mason has served our family well. At the last, he saved the life, if not the health, of my son's heir. Now he wishes, before he dies, to marry his sweetheart. You cannot imagine that we would allow you to prevent this happening, in case his widow claimed her dole. I have had an interest in this boy. I tried, and failed, to save him from conscription, but I will certainly attend his wedding. Is that an argument in its favor? Finally, I would point out your living is in Lord Grantham's gift. Your house is on Lord Grantham's land. And the very flowers in your church are from Lord Grantham's garden. I hope it is not vulgar in me to suggest that you find some way to overcome your scruples." « Less

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Season 2, episode 5:

"You see, sometimes, we must let the blow fall by degrees. Give him time to find the strength to face it."

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Season 2, episode 5:

"It always happens. When you give these little people power, it goes to their heads like strong drink."

Lady Violet: "Cora tells me Matthew's gone missing. Is that true?" / Lord Grantham: "There's no proof of anything yet." / Lady Violet: "I see. I need more than that to make me anxious." / Lord Grantham: "I'm glad you would be anxious." / Lady Violet: "Of course I would be. We're used to Matthew now. God knows who the next heir will be. Probably a chimney sweep from Solihull." « Less

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Season 2, episode 4:

"It's like living in a second rate hotel, where the guests just keep arriving and no one seems to leave."

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Season 2, episode 4:

"I'm a woman, Mary. I can be as contrary as I choose."

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Season 2, episode 3:

Lady Rosamund: "And now it's down to you to save Matthew from the clutches of a scheming harlot." / Lady Violet: "Reall... Show More »

Lady Rosamund: "And now it's down to you to save Matthew from the clutches of a scheming harlot." / Lady Violet: "Really Rosamund, there's no need to be so gleeful. You sound like Robespierre loping off the head of Marie Antoinette [giggles]." « Less

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Season 2, episode 3:

Lady Violet: "Well, I'm going up to London to stay with Rosamund for a day or two. I think we'll have Lavinia for ... Show More »

Lady Violet: "Well, I'm going up to London to stay with Rosamund for a day or two. I think we'll have Lavinia for tea." / Lady Mary: "You sound as if you're going to gobble her up." / Lady Violet: [giggles] "If only we could." « Less

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Season 2, episode 3:

"She's an obstacle to your happiness, dear, and must be removed. When it's done, you can feel as sorry as you wish."

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Season 2, episode 3:

Lady Violet: "I say good. If someone's to manage things, let it be our creature." / Cousin Isobel: "Why? Are you planni... Show More »

"I know those men of the moral high ground. If she won't say yes when he might be poor, he won't want her when he ... Show More »

"I know those men of the moral high ground. If she won't say yes when he might be poor, he won't want her when he will be rich." « Less

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Season 1, episode 7:

Lady Violet: "Mary, listen to me. If you take Matthew now, when his whole future is at risk, he will love you to the end of ... Show More »

Lady Violet: "Mary, listen to me. If you take Matthew now, when his whole future is at risk, he will love you to the end of his days." / Lady Sybil: "Why Granny, you're a romantic." / Lady Violet: "I have been called many things, but never that." « Less

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Season 1, episode 7:

Lady Violet: "I have a horrible feeling Simmons is about to hand in her notice. She's looking very fidgety lately. And ... Show More »

Lady Violet: "I have a horrible feeling Simmons is about to hand in her notice. She's looking very fidgety lately. And I saw her hurrying to meet the postman." / Lady Cora: "Oh, you poor thing. Is there anything worse than losing one's maid?" / Lady Violet: "Well, why would she want to leave me? I've been as gentle as a lamb ... most of the time." « Less

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Season 1, episode 6:

"One way or another, everyone goes down the aisle with half the story hidden."

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Season 1, episode 6:

"Well, I doubt I'd expect to curtsy to their majesties in June when I'd been arrested at a riot in May. But then I... Show More »

"Well, I doubt I'd expect to curtsy to their majesties in June when I'd been arrested at a riot in May. But then I'm old. Things may be different now." « Less

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Season 1, episode 5:

Lady Violet: "You are quite wonderful, the way you see room for improvement wherever you look. I never knew such reforming z... Show More »

Lady Violet: "You are quite wonderful, the way you see room for improvement wherever you look. I never knew such reforming zeal." / Cousin Isobel: "I take that as a compliment." / Lady Violet: "I must have said it wrong." « Less

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Season 1, episode 4:

Cousin Matthew: "The question is, what do I say to Cousin Violet?" / Lord Grantham: "Don't worry about that, I can hand... Show More »

Cousin Matthew: "The question is, what do I say to Cousin Violet?" / Lord Grantham: "Don't worry about that, I can handle her." / Lady Violet: "Really? Well, if you can, you must have learned to very recently." « Less

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Season 1, episode 4:

Lady Cora: "Things are different in America." / Lady Violet: "I know. They live in wigwams." / Lady Cora: "And when they com... Show More »

Lady Cora: "Things are different in America." / Lady Violet: "I know. They live in wigwams." / Lady Cora: "And when they come out of them, they go to school." « Less

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Season 1, episode 4:

Lady Cora: "I might send her over to visit my aunt, she could get to know New York." / Lady Violet: "Oh, I don't think ... Show More »

Lady Cora: "I might send her over to visit my aunt, she could get to know New York." / Lady Violet: "Oh, I don't think things are quite that desperate." « Less

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Season 1, episode 3:

Lady Violet: "Oh, my dears. Is it really true? I can't believe it. Last night, he looked so well. 'Course, it woul... Show More »

Lady Violet: "Oh, my dears. Is it really true? I can't believe it. Last night, he looked so well. 'Course, it would happen to a foreigner. It's typical." / Lady Mary« Less

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Season 1, episode 2:

Lord Grantham: "I thought you didn't like him." / Lady Violet: "Well, so what? I have plenty of friends I don't like."

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Season 1, episode 2:

"Wh-What is a week-end?"

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Season 1, episode 2:

Cousin Isobel: "What should we call each other?" / Lady Violet: "Well, we could always start with Mrs. Crawley and Lady Gran... Show More »

Cousin Isobel: "What should we call each other?" / Lady Violet: "Well, we could always start with Mrs. Crawley and Lady Grantham." « Less

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Season 1, episode 1:

Lady Cora: "Are we to be friends then?" / Lady Violet: "We are allies, my dear, which can be a good deal more effective."

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Season 1, episode 1:

"I never cared for James. He was too much like his mother and a nastier woman never drew breath."